Houston News

HISD Votes For Mascot Changes

by By KTRH’s Cliff Saunders

Most of us have a soft spot for where we went to school. The traditions we had, the nicknames of our school’s sports teams. However, for four local schools, those traditions and nicknames are a step away from being completely changed.

HISD has voted to change the nicknames of the Lamar High School Redskins, Hamilton Middle School Indians, Westbury High Rebels and Welch Middle School warriors because the names are 'culturally offensive. Lawyer Kenyon Weaver went to Lamar and fought to change the name in the 1990's.

“Redskins is not an appropriate term. It’s not something that will survive the test of time,” Weaver told KTRH.

Thomas Holmes is also a Lamar graduate, signed an online petition to keep the Redskins nickname and has a question for those that think like Weaver.

“I don’t understand the need for the change. I’d give them the history and put it back on them and ask them why they feel the need for the change,” Holmes told KTRH. “I have a soft spot in my heart for the Redskins. I’m proud of where it comes from. I’m proud of the people.”

Others like Demetria Routte are upset at how the HISD vote went down.

“All we were asking was to be heard, and we were not heard. Not one time,” Routte told our television partner Local 2.

But others say the HISD Board made the right call.

“I’m proud of them for making this decision. I think it’s a step forward for respect for all people,” the supporter said.

A vote of the trustees will take place in January. If approved the new mascots would be assigned for the 2014-2015 school year.